Zoe Daniel opinion piece: Division

“The division exposed by the March for Australia was a test for our politicians. They failed it - and put the nation last.”

The Guardian : September 7, 2025

Main issues

• In the aftermath of anti-immigration protests, instead of constructive discourse addressing a very real problem in Australian society, parliament erupted into partisan blaming, name-calling and anger.
• Rising anger and division in society is moving from online to the streets.
• Social media is amplifying mis/disinformation without fact-checking or accountability of platforms.
• Intelligence services warning of consequences of erosion of trust / damage to social cohesion.
• Politicians are societal role models; modelling disrespectful and divisive behaviours.
• Community independents are striving to restore civility and constructive debate in govt.

Consider: “...we can hardly expect reasoned community conversations to bridge divides when our leaders can’t even have those constructive discussions.”

Posted by Murray. Last modified: 17 Nov 2025.